The Philippine Navy has recovered five underwater drones, also known as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), from different parts of the country, a Navy official announced on Tuesday.
“We have already recovered five of these,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), during a press briefing. “Our fishermen reported the sightings. These drones are hard to detect underwater but become visible once they surface.”
Locations of Recoveries
- Two drones were found near Calayan Island in the Babuyan Islands.
- One drone was recovered in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
- One drone was discovered in Initao, Misamis Oriental.
- The most recent drone was found on December 30, 2024, near Barangay Inarawan, San Pascual, Masbate, and was handed over to the Navy the following day.
Forensic Analysis Underway
Trinidad explained that each recovered drone undergoes a forensic examination, which typically takes six to eight weeks. So far, only the drone recovered in Calayan Island has been analyzed.
“The results show that it is designed to collect mathematical data such as salinity, oxygen levels, and water temperature,” said Trinidad. “This information can be used for commercial, academic, or even military purposes.”
Further details about the Calayan drone were withheld, with Trinidad stating that an official report would be released by the appropriate government agency.
Details of the Most Recent Drone
The drone found in Masbate measured 3.5 meters in length, 24 centimeters in diameter, and weighed 94 kilograms. It was painted yellow and marked “HY-119.”
When asked if the drones were linked to Chinese forces, Trinidad clarified that while open-source information could identify the manufacturer, hard scientific evidence is required to determine their origin and purpose.
Broader Implications
Trinidad emphasized that local fisherfolk played a critical role in reporting the drones, highlighting their importance in national security efforts.